[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ROBERT LAMAR ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2022

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving 
husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather, Air Force Veteran, 
trailblazing banker, tireless community servant and dear friend of 
longstanding, Robert Lamar Anderson. Sadly, Robert transitioned from 
labor to reward on September 1, 2022, and a celebration of his 
remarkable life was held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022 
at Christ Community Church, 4078 Milgen Road, in Columbus, Georgia.
  Robert Anderson was born to the union of the late Luther and Mary 
Anderson in 1942. He was a proud product of the Muscogee County School 
System, graduating from Spencer High School in 1960. A very learned 
man, Robert graduated from Fort Valley State College, now Fort Valley 
State University, in 1970 with a B.S. Degree in Education. Robert went 
on to earn his M.S. in Education from Georgia State University and 
later attended the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers 
University.
  Robert served his country faithfully, in The United States Air Force 
from 1964 to 1967, receiving an Honorable Discharge with the rank of 
Sergeant. He spent a year working as a Biology Teacher with the 
Muscogee County School District before launching a new career that 
would change his life and community forever.
  In 1971, Robert became a trailblazing banker with Columbus Bank and 
Trust, becoming one of the first African American banking officers in 
Columbus, Georgia. In 2007, after 36 remarkable years, he retired as 
Senior Vice President for Government and Community Affairs, having 
worked his way up the ranks and having used his positions to help those 
who would not otherwise have a chance to finance and pursue their 
dreams. I was one of those with whom Robert took a chance when he 
helped finance my first business loan to start my law practice in 1972. 
There are countless other businesses in the Chattahoochee Valley area 
that would never have been, were it not for Robert Anderson. He worked 
with soldiers and veterans to support their financial needs and in the 
process enhanced their lives and service to their country.
  Even after retiring from Columbus Bank and Trust, Robert did not rest 
on his laurels. He rejoined the workforce as President of the Columbus 
Division of Citizens Trust Bank from 2009 to 2011; served as a member 
of the Adjunct Faculty of Miller-Motte College from 2012 to 2014; then 
ended his career where he started, in the classroom, as a substitute 
teacher for the Muscogee County School District from 2014 to 2018.
  Robert loved serving his community. The foundation for that service 
was laid when he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Fort Valley State 
College--now Fort Valley State University. He embodied the Fraternity's 
Motto that ``Friendship is essential to the soul.'' He never met a 
stranger and befriended all he met.
  He gave his time and talents to many worthwhile causes to include his 
beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Lamba Iota Chapter; The 
Chattahoochee Sports Hall of Fame; Campaign Chair, Committee to Elect 
State Representative Calvin Smyre; Leadership Columbus; Columbus 
Jaycees; The Historic Columbus Foundation; The Columbus Museum Board of 
Directors; Controller's Civic and Social Club; Allied Students at Fort 
Benning; Chattahoochee Valley Libraries; Muscogee County School Board; 
Georgia School Board Association and numerous others.
  His love for our nation's armed forces and for youth fueled his 
passion for service on the Second Congressional District's Academy 
Selection Committee for many years, identifying young men and women to 
attend the United States Military Service Academies to become the 
future leaders in defense of American democracy. For this, our country 
will forever be grateful.
  Robert was a lover of the Arts. He served on the board of the Liberty 
Theatre Cultural Center in Columbus, Georgia for many years, working 
tirelessly to keep the doors open and earning the distinction of 
``Chairman Emeritus.''
  Most importantly, Robert Anderson was a man of faith. He was a 
faithful member of the South Columbus United Methodist Church, a 
certified Lay Leader and District Lay Leader for the Northwest District 
of the United Methodist Church. Robert also used his warm, deep, bass-
baritone voice to sing praises to God in numerous United Methodist 
Church choirs. Jackie Robinson once said that: ``A life is not 
important except in the impact it has on other lives.'' Robert 
Anderson's life was important because of the many lives that he touched 
in service to God and humanity.
  Robert loved his family and they were the center of his life. His 
success in no small part was due to the love and support of his wife of 
35+ years, Louise Anderson; his children, Yolanda Anderson, Veronica 
Anderson-Lewis, Tawana Anderson and Dr. Shae Anderson; his 
grandchildren, Blake L.A. Richardson and Alexandria Lily Frances-
Anderson.
  On a personal note, Robert was my friend for over 50 years. He had a 
heart of gold, always encouraging, supporting, and offering sage advice 
and counsel. I will forever cherish his friendship and support.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join my wife Vivian and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of 
the Second Congressional District in honoring and celebrating the life 
and legacy of Mr. Robert Lamar Anderson. We extend our deepest 
condolences to his family, friends and all who mourn his loss. May we 
all be consoled and comforted by our faith in the Holy Spirit in the 
days, weeks, and months ahead.

                          ____________________